The Dallas daily herald. [volume] (Dallas, Tex.) 1873-1887, 1887-10-13
A MOnnt Desert Engagement.


smaller hotels ut Bar Harbor engag-
ed in earnest conversation. The old
man had rather a pleading serious
look upon his benevolent counte-
nance. and the Girl a pretty blonde OF
90, with regular features aud delicate
complexion, had cast down her soft
gazele.ike eyes in confusion at a re-
mark made by her companion.
But, Mr. Stoneman, Jack hates
me, +" size said.
tut, tut, you must not imagine
such thing"
II am sure OF it. He was quitefond
OF me when we were children, but since
we have grown up he has changed ut
terly."
81 cannot believe that it is possible
for any one TO hate you. 1t seems to
me that every one who knows you
must love you"
"That's your partiality, dear Mr..
stoneman. You are very kind to
have such an high opinion OF me, and
assure you appreciate it,"
"Jack would feel as do il he only
knew you"
"But he does know me; he has
known me all his life and he doesn't
want to know me any Longer, for he
avoids me on all occasions" replied
she, sadly.
"And you, what do you think OF
him." asked he.
"How can | think OF him ut all
when he does not think OF me?" an
swered she proudly, at the same time
blushing deeply uuder the old mans
keen glances.
"That's right, he doesn't deserve it.
Dear me-" continued he, rather fret
fully, 1.-The fondest wish OF my heart ia
to see my favorite grandson and the
granddaughter OF my old chum united,
and Jack will, lust TO thwart me,
bring some girl into my house whom
shant be able to endure, instead OF
my lovely Alice, whose presence would
be continual delight to me, and who
would make the rest of my life bright
ana happy
dear Mr.. Stoneman," she replied,
pressing his hand effectionately, "there
is nothing should like better than to
live with you. but I'm afraid it can't
he done, for Jack and /, !" with an EN-
emphasis upon the latter word, eds
like each other TOO much. Stop a mo-
ment though" continued she, chang
inc to a merry tone, 81 will tell you
how it could be managed. Why can t
marry you?" and she burst into a
hearty laugh.
"You little rogue | only wish |
were 80 years younger, and I'd make
you marry me whether you would or
not"
"Ohl you wouldn't have the slight
est difficulty in persuading me. |
should fall in love with you at once"
"Jack is said to he very much like
me. Why couldn't you take him as a
substituted" asked he with ally air.
"Dear Mr.. Stcneman, please do not
talk on that subject any more. /
would rather not"
1--WE won't, then" answered he,
promptly. "Are yon going TO Mrs.
Et.sh's picnic on Saturday,"
''l'es, ! think so. Are you to be
fhere9"
"Not /. A drive OF o miles in a buck
board. and an afternoon and evening
passed in sitting either upon the damp
ground or the hard rocks is not very
tempting to a man OF my age. IL does
very well for young people; we old
ones prefer what comfort we can get
out OF the parlor armchairs and CIV
ilized tea-table."
Their conversation was interrupted
nj this moment by frightful din
which seemed to proceed from the in
terror OF the house, and to approach
nearer and nearer, growing more in
tolerable as it advanced. The uniniti-
ated might have expected it to her
aid the advent OF a band OF savages,
who. with fiercelv rolling eyes and up
lifted weapons were about TO burst
upon and exterminate them; but our
friends knew that this warlike sound
was only peaceful summons to the
midday meal. 80 they shortly arose
and wended heir way 10 the dining
room. where. with the other soiourn-
ers in the establishment. they were
soon discussing one OF those repasts
which have for so long been the de-
spair OF the pleasure seeker in this H.
land.